Financial freedom starts with smiling at life

Chapter 332 I Can't Afford to Lose This Face

Jiang Beicheng's words instantly silenced the banquet hall.

The members of the ten-table charity enterprise alliance looked at each other with puzzled expressions, unsure of what Jiang Beicheng meant by those words.

I originally thought that Liu Shunfa had invited people from the Chamber of Commerce tonight, which would make the event seem more prestigious and all the members would benefit from it.

Take photos and videos of Jiang Beicheng speaking, then take a photo with Jiang Beicheng to show that you've connected with the Chamber of Commerce, and finally post them on social media to pat yourself on the back.

The banquet featured delicacies from land and sea, Moutai liquor, and Huazhong cigarettes. Donating some supplies as a token gesture would establish the image of a caring enterprise, making it incredibly worthwhile.

Everyone was making their own plans when Jiang Beichen suddenly said something incomprehensible, leaving them completely bewildered.

"The Chamber of Commerce's meal allowance isn't as high as yours," Jiang Beicheng said directly.

He was telling the truth. Private gatherings between business friends are definitely not considered cost-effective, and it's normal to spend over 100,000 yuan on drinks for enjoyment.

However, at public gatherings, especially in front of the media, banquets are not too extravagant; a meal budget of three or four thousand is considered the absolute maximum.

The Chamber of Commerce and its members consider the social impact of their collaboration with the government and the general public.

Simply put, the government has put you in the public eye, so you need to present a simple and unassuming image to the public.

They indulged in lavish meals and drinks in private.

Two media outlets were also present today, and everyone took out their phones to record videos and take photos. If this gets out, I don't know how much public opinion it will cause.

A group of people, under the guise of a "charity event," indulged in a gluttonous feast, enjoying themselves to the fullest. The amount of money they donated was less than the amount they ate that day.

The General Chamber of Commerce can't afford to lose face like this, and Jiangbei City can't afford to lose face like this either.

Liu Shunfa sensed that something was wrong and quickly ran up to Jiang Beicheng, smiling awkwardly, and invited him to come down and sit down.

Jiang Beicheng suddenly looked at Liu Shunfa seriously: "Mr. Liu, what do you mean?"
I didn't want to come up, but you and several other representatives dragged me up.

I came up, and then you asked me to come down again.

Do you want me to talk or not?

There was total silence.

Liu Shunfa trembled slightly, awkwardly gesturing for Jiang Beicheng to continue, and then took a few steps back.

The businessmen present today hold the Chamber of Commerce in high esteem, but also in awe of it.

Most people's businesses are affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce.

They are either suppliers or underwriters.

To put it bluntly, they can only prosper if the businesses in the Chamber of Commerce are doing well.

Conversely, their poor performance has little to do with the businesses of the Chamber of Commerce.

Because the market is highly competitive with similar products, if they don't want to cooperate with you, they can find someone else.

They were practically begging the Chamber of Commerce to cooperate with them.

This is the advantage of those in positions of power.

Take Liu Shunfa's food company as an example; Baicheng Catering can find alternatives to it at any time.

However, Shunfa Food Company has found it difficult to find a high-quality partner like Beicheng Hotel.

By simply using the partnership with Beicheng Hotel as a pretext, Shunfa Foods has found it much easier to expand its business.

Moreover, they also benefited from the high customer traffic generated by Beicheng Hotel.

That's why I have such respect for this entrepreneur from the Jiangbei City General Chamber of Commerce today.

Everyone in the room stared at Jiang Beicheng, not daring to utter a sound.

I'm probably going to get a scolding tonight.

Jiang Beicheng continued, "Everyone, if you want to hold some kind of business networking event or cocktail party, I think that's perfectly normal."

Even if the table is set with fine wines bought from auction houses, and the food is expensive seafood flown in from Australia and Wagyu beef flown in from Japan, that's your own business. You pay for it and enjoy it yourselves.

But today's charity event has a meal budget that exceeds the amount of money donated. What does that mean?
I won't expose your intentions.

What baffles me is that you still have the nerve to invite the media over.

You can afford to lose face, but the Chamber of Commerce can't.

Think before you act in the future, and consider the consequences.

After speaking, he looked at Liu Shunfa.

Liu Shunfan had already lowered his head completely; every word Jiang Beicheng said was rubbing at his heart.

Too embarrassed to see anyone.

But when Jiang Beicheng gave him a look, he immediately smiled and nodded to show his respect.

"Thank you to General Manager Jiang of the Chamber of Commerce for his guidance and for correcting our mistakes in a timely manner."

Take the lead in applauding.

The audience applauded.

Jiang Beicheng stepped down from the stage and walked straight to the door. Liu Shunfa and several representatives quickly followed to see him off.

"This young man has a strong presence."

"To be a member of the Chamber of Commerce at such a young age, one must have exceptional abilities."

"The Chamber of Commerce is getting a bit arrogant."

"You can still act like that when you get to that position."

"I think President Jiang is right. You can do whatever you want in private, but it's inappropriate to eat and drink so much in public. It's easy to cause public resentment."

"Liu Shunfa must be out of his mind. Why did he invite the media here?"

"..."

Jiang Beicheng had already left, but the discussion was still going on in the banquet hall.

Their understanding hasn't reached the level of Jiangbei City; they can't consider the social aspects.

To put it bluntly, it's a bit self-indulgent; they just feel good about what they do. This isn't limited to the business world; many local leaders in the political arena are the same.

"Mr. Jiang, please take care." Liu Shunfa was still very polite and went up to open the car door for Jiang Beicheng.

Jiang Beicheng pointed at Liu Shunfa with his finger, without saying anything more.

It means to let him fend for himself.

Liu Shunfa understood what he meant, and in front of him, he humbly accepted the criticism, smiling and nodding, "I will definitely learn from my mistakes."

Jiang Beicheng had Shen Jun drive away.

I'm so angry.

These people dug such a huge hole for him.

He himself rarely uses the company's name to do charity or charitable activities now; he just lends a helping hand to those who are lost.

Jiang Beicheng strongly agrees with what Wang Jianlin of Wanda said: fake charity is not real charity. The company is not doing well, the employees' salaries are not high, so what kind of fake charity are they doing in front of others?

Instead of donating company profits so readily, it would be better to give employees more bonuses and raise their wages.

Make the employees feel happy first, then talk about donations.

Jiangbei City has not yet completed this step, so it is unlikely to make large donations in the name of a company.

More often, it involves doing small, heartwarming social acts.

However, he privately donated a considerable amount of money in his personal capacity.

"Aunt Shen, call the warehouse and have them purchase a batch of summer supplies and deliver them to the various sanitation worker stations along the street. They should deliver them once a week during July and August," Jiang Beicheng instructed. "Just make sure someone receives them; don't bother with any of that publicity stuff."

“Okay, I’ll take you back first, and then I’ll go to the warehouse myself later,” Shen Jun replied.

When Jiang Beicheng returned home, Zhou Ya and her daughter Haitangxi were still eating.

"You're back so soon?" Haitangxi noticed Jiang Beicheng's expression, got up and pulled out a chair for him. "You must have run into something bad."

He poured wine for Jiang Beicheng: "Tell me about it, and your mother and I will be your audience."

Jiang Beicheng smiled and said, "The people below are doing some absurd things."

He shook his head: "Let's not talk about it. Let's eat. I'm really hungry."

Haitangxi smiled and said to Zhou Ya, "It seems you're not very angry, otherwise you would have been full of anger by now."

She called out "Auntie" and brought rice to Jiang Beicheng.

"How was the food? That private chef is pretty good; I've asked him a few times." Jiang Beicheng said, "I found him on Douyin; he's very famous in Jiangnan City, and his home-style dishes are exceptional."

"It's delicious, Beicheng. Give me your contact information. I have guests at home, so I'll ask him to come over and handle both the food and labor."

“Okay, we’ll communicate a day in advance, and they’ll prepare it themselves.” Jiang Beichen sent the WeChat message to Zhou Ya.

This kind of private chef home service is perfect for entertaining guests at home.

However, the service fees in this industry are now quite high.

A slightly well-known chef can charge thousands of yuan to cook a meal at someone's home, and he has to buy and bring the ingredients himself, plus a kickback.

Sometimes it's more expensive than eating out.

However, hosting guests at home offers more privacy and shows greater sincerity.

It's very convenient in the city.

However, after moving into the suburban manor, Jiangbei City will hire several chefs and nutritionists to live in the house and serve the family.

After dinner, I went downstairs to accompany Haitangxi and her daughter for a walk in the park.

"Beicheng, when are you two planning to get your marriage certificate?" Zhou Ya suddenly brought up this topic again.

Jiang Lele's wedding that morning had a great impact on her.

Jiang Beichen said directly, "Anytime is fine, I'll listen to Sister Xi." He would definitely not hesitate to deal with his mother-in-law.

Haitangxi was well aware of Jiangbei City's little tricks—to shift the blame onto him.

However, she now goes along with her younger brother, partly because she doesn't have enough energy in the early stages of her business and is afraid of not being able to maintain their little family. Once the Xishan Travel Agency is stable and more talents join, she will gradually relinquish power and slowly return to her family.

Secondly, Jiang Beicheng, this playboy, hasn't had enough fun yet and can't settle down, so he's not suitable for marriage right now.

Haitangxi said directly, "We'll get the marriage certificate when the time comes. We'll let you know then."

Zhou Ya frowned instantly.

Not wanting to argue with her daughter in front of her son-in-law, she shook her head, sighed, and saw that Secretary Shen had returned. She got into the car and asked Secretary Shen to take her home.

Jiang Beicheng laughed and said, "You've made your mother leave."

Haitangxi said, "Do you really want her to stay here and disturb our time together?"
Baby, quality time together.

The two strolled around for a couple of hours, then went home, took a shower, and went to bed.

……

When Jiang Beicheng was preparing to go to Beijing on a business trip, he received an invitation from Lao Wei of Great Wall.

Invite him to visit Baoding.

Participate in the Great Wall Motorcycle Carnival.

The two met over a meal. Jiang Beicheng only mentioned that he was a seasoned off-road enthusiast and was waiting for the Great Wall's V8.

Old Wei and he exchanged WeChat contacts.

After learning that he was also a motorcycle enthusiast, Lao Wei specially sent him an invitation to participate in Great Wall Motorcycle Carnival in Baoding.

Before the V8 engine for cars is even developed, let's experience the V8-powered motorcycles that embody the spirit of Great Wall Motors.

Unlike the other internet celebrities who were invited, he wasn't there for publicity; he simply shared similar interests with Lao Wei, who invited him over for fun.

Jiangbei City will give face to Lao Wei as a friend. Go to Baoding first, attend Lao Wei's event, and then go to Beijing.

(End of this chapter)